Drone strikes hit Tula and Voronezh overnight, and reached Moscow Oblast, piercing Russian air defenses in an alleged Ukrainian UAV raids. Russia claimed to intercept 122 drones. The extent of the damage from the attack remains unclear.

Ukraine targets military infrastructure in Tula

Russian news Telegram channel Astra reports that in the early hours of 17 July, drones targeted Russian facilities in Tula Oblast. Explosions thundered in Novomoskovsk, where key military-industrial sites are located, Liga reported. In Shchyokino, Tula Oblast, local residents reported a fire breaking out after a drone attack.

According to Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+, the Azot chemical plant in Shchyokino was hit directly during the attack. The M-500 methanol production unit was reportedly damaged. The plant carried out emergency technical procedures in response. Azot is one of Tula Oblast’s key chemical industry sites, producing ammonia, methanol, and other nitrogen-based compounds used in explosives and defense-related manufacturing.

Tula Oblast head Dmitri Milyaev said that as of 06:00, the threat of more drone attacks remained active in the oblast. Later, he claimed that drone “debris” fell on the premises of an unnamed enterprise.

Ukraine pierces Russian air defenses: drone strikes hit Tula, Voronezh

Russia claims it downed 122 Ukrainian drones last night.https://t.co/LHXY6IM02z
#1-3 Tula, #4 Roslavl, by TG/Supernova+ pic.twitter.com/VBE27i8sPd

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) July 17, 2025

Drone strikes hit Voronezh

Drone strikes hit Tula and Voronezh nearly simultaneously. In Voronezh, drones reached deep into the city, with one, possible shot down by Russia’s air defenses, reportedly striking two floors of a high-rise residential building in the city’s left-bank area.

Governor Aleksandr Gusev claimed that air defenses had destroyed at least five UAVs over Voronezh Oblast, yet later acknowledged that fragments had struck a residential tower. The authorities claim four civilians were injured.

Moscow also under threat amid massive drone wave

Mayor Sergei Sobianin claimed that three drones were allegedly intercepted while attempting to enter Moscow’s airspace. Loud blasts were reported in Zelenograd. Residents described multiple explosion-like sounds during the night. The drone assault affected aviation. Departures and arrivals at Vnukovo Airport were delayed as a precaution during the strikes.

In Smolensk Oblast, local residents reported a strike on the town of Roslavl, home to a key aviation support plant under the Rostec conglomerate, according to Astra.

Russia claims 122 drones downed across 13 oblasts

Russia’s Ministry of Defense alleged that Ukrainian drones targeted at least 13 oblasts overnight, claiming 122 UAVs were shot down. According to the ministry, most drones were intercepted over Bryansk, Kursk, and Oryol oblasts. Additional UAVs were allegedly downed over Voronezh, Tula, Moscow Oblast, occupied Crimea, and several others.

Satellite imagery has confirmed a successful Ukrainian strike on the Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant in Russia’s Moscow Oblast. The facility one of the key objects producing thermobaric munitions and explosive components for Shahed kamikaze drones.

The strike occurred on 7 July. Local residents reported loud explosions and a fire at the site. Ukraine’s General Staff later confirmed that units from the Drone Systems Forces, in coordination with other elements of the Defense Forces, carried out the attack.

According to the General Staff, the plant had been manufacturing not only flares, powder charges, thermal decoys, and gas generators, but also the thermobaric warheads used in drone strikes on Ukrainian cities.

The CyberBorosno project has analyzed satellite images and concluded that one of the plant’s production buildings, likely used for assembling explosive munitions, was hit.

The plant underwent modernization in 2017, expanding its capacity to produce thermobaric weapons for Russian security forces, including the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

On the same day, Russian air defense reportedly downed drones not only in Moscow Oblast, but also over many other oblasts. According to their data, 20 drones flew over Belgorod Oblast, 14 over Kursk, and nine over Lipetsk.

Eight were reported over both Bryansk and Voronezh oblasts, and seven over the Black Sea. Three drones each appeared over Novgorod, Tver, Tambov, and Leningrad oblasts. Two more were intercepted over Oryol Oblast, and one each over Vladimir Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, and occupied Crimea.

Ukraine hits four weapons factories in Tula, a regional capital next to Moscow, in a continuing effort to degrade Russia’s defense production capabilities. The drone offensive also struck other military-linked sites across Moscow Oblast, Kursk, Taganrog, Lipetsk, Orsk, and beyond, according to multiple reports. The full extent of damage is currently unknown.

Kamikaze drones strike deep into Tula’s defense industry

Four military-industrial facilities were struck in Tula and Tula Oblast overnight on 11 July, according to reporting by Russian news Telegram channel Astra. 

• Astra confirms that in Tula, drones hit the JSC Design Bureau of Instrument-Making, causing a fire in the administrative building. The same facility was previously attacked in June, when strikes damaged warehouses, a loading hangar, and a power substation — halting operations entirely at the time.
• Also in Tula, drones were shot down directly over the NPO SPLAV plant, which produces multiple launch rocket systems. 
• The fourth site struck was the Aleksinsky Experimental Mechanical Plant in Aleksin, Tula Oblast. Drone debris reportedly fell on the grounds of Workshop No. 4. The plant is involved in producing non-standard equipment for manufacturing explosives and solid propellants, and operates under the state defense-linked Techmash group.
• In addition, Astra reported that a drone hit the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk, also in Tula Oblast. The facility supplies nitric acid used in producing octogen and hexogen — key components of artillery munitions. It had previously been struck in both May and June.

Ukraine struck four weapons factories in Tula overnight, targeting Russia’s defense industry deep inside its territory. Drone attacks also hit sites in Moscow Oblast, Kursk, Taganrog, Lipetsk, Orsk, and more.



TG/Exilenova+, Supernova+ – the clips show the Tula attack. pic.twitter.com/R9CKsNg6YS

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) July 11, 2025

Drone offensive spreads beyond Tula to Moscow Oblast and other regions

According to Astra and Ukrainian Telegram channels, Exilenova+ and Supernova+, drones also targeted several high-value military and industrial targets in other parts of Russia overnight on 11 July.

• In Dubna, Moscow Oblast, explosions were reported near the Kronstadt Group facility — a drone development site previously attacked in May. Exilenova+ claimed the site was hit again and shared video evidence from the location.
• In Lukhovitsy, also Moscow Oblast, Ukrainian Liutyi long-range drones targeted and reportedly hit the Lukhovitsky Aviation Plant, a facility belonging to the MiG aircraft corporation under Rostec. Astra reports that at least two drones impacted the compressor station on the plant’s grounds, partially collapsing one wall. The nearby Lukhovitsy fuel depot was also in the vicinity of the strike zone. 

Lukhovitsy (Moscow Oblast): Ukrainian Liutyi drones reportedly struck the Lukhovitsky Aviation Plant, part of the MiG aircraft corporation. Astra said two drones hit a compressor station, causing partial collapse of one wall.

TG/Exilenova+, Supernova+ pic.twitter.com/Fa2E386F3T

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) July 11, 2025

More facilities targeted across Russian territory

Further strikes were reported in multiple other oblasts:

• Kursk Oblast — Drones hit industrial sites in Belyovsky and Kurchatovsky districts. The local governor stated that fires broke out in production areas. In one case, a warehouse reportedly burned after a UAV strike. 
• Taganrog, Rostov Oblast — A UAV was allegedly neutralized near the Beriev aircraft plant. The city’s mayor claimed that debris ostensibly fell onto the factory grounds. Such wording from local officials is often a euphemistic way to report a direct hit. Supernova+ shared footage, showing Ukrainian drones flying over the area.

Taganrog, Rostov Oblast — A UAV was allegedly neutralized near the Beriev aircraft plant.

The city’s mayor claimed that debris ostensibly fell onto the factory grounds. Such wording from local officials is often a euphemistic way to report a direct hit.

Supernova+ shared… pic.twitter.com/LzwhxNcQBP

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) July 11, 2025

• Lipetsk Oblast — The regional head claimed a drone fell on an agricultural enterprise in Khlevensky district, causing a fire and ostensibly resulting in casualties. 
• Orsk, Orenburg Oblast — Astra and Exilenova+ report that the Orsk Mechanical Plant, a key producer of artillery shell casings and rocket system components, experienced a fire inside its paint shop. Exilenova+ says the sabotage is suspected.
• Saint Petersburg — Rosaviatsia claimed that Pulkovo airport suspended flights temporarily due to security concerns overnight on 11 July.
• In Zhukovsky, Moscow Oblast, the Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsia announced temporary flight restrictions during the night. The same agency later claimed the restrictions had been lifted as of the morning of 11 July.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that a total of 155 drones were downed over Russian territory and occupied Crimea during the night. According to their statement, this included 13 over Tula Oblast, 11 over Moscow Oblast, and dozens across Kursk, Bryansk, Belgorod, Smolensk, and other areas. 

Update: Ukrainian military confirms some strikes

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that overnight on 11 July, Ukrainian drone units, together with other defense elements, struck two Russian military-industrial sites.

One target was the Lukhovitsky Aviation Plant in Moscow Oblast, which handles full-cycle MiG fighter jet production. Explosions were recorded at the site.

The second strike, carried out with support from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces and the SBU, hit the Shipunov Design Bureau in Tula Oblast. The facility produces missiles for Russian air defense systems.

The General Staff said explosions, smoke, and emergency vehicle activity were observed near both targets. Damage is being assessed.

Editor's note: This story was updated with a statement made by Ukraine's General Staff.

Ukraine's military confirmed on July 7 that it targeted a chemical plant in Russia's Moscow Oblast used for producing ammunition and explosives, the General Staff said.

The plant, located 88 kilometers (55 miles) northeast of Moscow, produces industrial and military-grade chemicals, including explosives, ammunition components, and aircraft protection systems.

Established in 1915, the plant is one of the city's largest employers and plays a key role in Russia's defense-industrial complex. Its location in Krasnozavodsk places it roughly 530 kilometers (329 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

It is affiliated with the Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec and supplies the Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry, Federal Security Service (FSB), and other law enforcement agencies.

Moscow Oblast authorities have not officially confirmed the attack. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that air defenses intercepted or destroyed 91 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions, including eight over Moscow Oblast.

In a statement released later on July 7, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed that units from its Unmanned Systems Forces, in coordination with other elements of the Defense Forces, carried out a precision strike against the Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant.

The facility was specifically targeted to disrupt Russia's ability to produce explosive materials and ammunition, including thermobaric warheads used in Shahed-type drones.

"A series of explosions was recorded in the area of Krasnozavodsk, and firefighting equipment was seen moving through neighboring settlements," the statement read. The results of the strike are still being assessed, it added.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the reports.

The reported strike comes as part of Ukraine's broader campaign to disrupt Russian logistics, weapons production, and supply lines far behind the front line.

In recent months, Ukrainian drones have hit multiple industrial and military sites across Russia, including oil depots, airfields, and electronics facilities.

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Editor's note: This story was updated with a statement made by Ukraine's General Staff.

Drones struck multiple targets in Russia overnight on July 4, including a high-value defense facility in the southern Rostov region, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation center at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.

Kovalenko said a drone hit the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant in the town of Azov, Rostov Oblast. The facility reportedly manufactures critical components for the Russian military, including sights, rangefinders, thermal imaging systems, and fire control equipment for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ships, and aircraft.

"Despite the difficult night, there is also good news. There were attacks on facilities in Russia, particularly in Moscow and Rostov regions," Kovalenko wrote. "This is where the 'eyes' for Russian armored vehicles are assembled."

Overnight on July 4, Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on multiple Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv as the primary target. At least 23 people were injured in the capital amid widespread destruction and high levels of air pollution.

Ukraine's General Staff later confirmed that its drone units, operating in coordination with other elements of the Defense Forces, also struck the Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry (FNTs NIIPKh) in Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Oblast.

The military said the facility is involved in the production of thermobaric warheads for Shahed-type drones and plays a critical role in Russia's airstrike capabilities.

"We confirmed that our munitions hit the target," the General Staff said. "A fire and heavy smoke were detected in the area of the facility." The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Russian officials also confirmed drone strikes across several regions.

Yuriy Slyusar, acting governor of Rostov Oblast, said a number of towns in the region were struck by drones. In the city of Azov, the attack reportedly damaged several cars and shattered windows in residential buildings. Debris from one drone allegedly fell onto a local stadium.

In the village of Dolotinka, a drone strike reportedly caused the collapse of a section of a residential apartment building, killing an elderly woman. Authorities said 20 residents were evacuated from the damaged structure.

In Sergiyev Posad in Moscow Oblast, four explosions were reported around 5 a.m. near the Zvezdochka neighborhood, accompanied by the sound of drone engines, according to local residents. Oksana Yerokhanova, head of the district, said a power substation was damaged in the incident.

Two people were injured in Sergiyev Posad, according to Governor Andrei Vorobyov.

Russia's Defense Ministry later claimed that air defense systems had intercepted or destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones overnight. According to the ministry, 26 were downed over Rostov Oblast, 12 over Kursk Oblast, six over Belgorod Oblast, three over Oryol Oblast, and one over Lipetsk Oblast.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.

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Explosions were reported in Moscow overnight on June 26, prompting airport closures, with Russia's Defense Ministry claiming 50 Ukrainian drones were downed across the country.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said emergency services were at the sites where two drones were downed.

According to the Shot Telegram channel, which appears to be close to Russian security forces, debris from a downed drone struck a residential building.

"Alarms went off everywhere," a local resident told the channel.

Ukraine's military regularly strikes military targets deep within Russia in an attempt to diminish Moscow's fighting power as it continues its war against Ukraine.

Russia's Defense Ministry later claimed 50 Ukrainian drones had been downed across the country, two of which were "flying towards Moscow."

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.

Kaluga airport and Moscow's Vnukovo airport had flight restrictions imposed amid the drone attack, Artyom Korenyako, a spokesperson for Russia's state aviation agency Rosaviatsia, said early on June 26.

"The airport is temporarily not accepting or sending flights. Aircraft crews, air traffic controllers, and airport services must take all necessary measures to ensure flight safety," he said.

The restrictions were later lifted.

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The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

Ukrainian drones have forced at least 217 temporary airport closures across Russia since Jan. 1, independent Russian outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe reported on May 14, citing data from Russia's state aviation agency Rosaviatsia.

The figure already surpassed the combined total for all of 2023 and 2024, underscoring Kyiv's growing ability to put pressure on Russia, even in areas far from the border with Ukraine.

According to Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Defense Army's Southern Division, the surge in disruptions reflects a strategic shift in Ukraine's drone campaign.

"Moscow is the biggest aviation hub in the Russian Federation — flights go everywhere, not only across Russia, but worldwide," he told the Kyiv Independent last month.

"This is about the potential disintegration of Russian regions and the weakening of internal control."

Ukraine has also had remarkable success using first person view (FPV) drones — on June 1, Ukraine launched a game-changing drone attack on four key Russian military airfields, damaging 41 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes.

Kyiv claimed it disabled 34% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet in what is seen as one of the most daring operations during Russia's full-scale war.

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The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk